The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: A Decade of Refinement Culminates in Driver’s Delight
After a decade immersed in the automotive industry, observing the evolution of performance vehicles, I can confidently state that the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition represents a significant milestone. This iteration, often referred to as the “Audi RS5 Competition package,” finally bridges the gap between sheer capability and genuine driver enjoyment, transforming a car that was once merely fast into one that is truly exhilarating. For enthusiasts seeking a blend of potent performance, sharp handling, and sophisticated design, understanding the nuances of this specialized RS5 variant is paramount.
For years, the Audi RS5, in both its coupe and Sportback guises, has occupied a curious position in the performance sedan landscape. It consistently delivered blistering acceleration and tenacious grip, capable of humbling many vehicles far exceeding its price point. However, this prowess often came with an almost detached
feel. While it could devour winding roads at astonishing speeds, the experience, for many, lacked the visceral connection that defines true driving pleasure. The immense speed was undeniable, but the joy derived from harnessing it was, at times, surprisingly muted. This is where the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition truly shines, offering a compelling solution for those yearning for more engagement from their high-performance Audi.
The “Competition” designation, in this context, isn’t a standalone model but rather a meticulously curated package designed to enhance the already potent RS5. It’s a crucial distinction, especially when navigating the complex nomenclature of luxury performance brands. This $16,100 Audi RS5 Competition package imbues the familiar 444-horsepower twin-turbo V6 with a newfound sense of urgency and precision. The core mechanical upgrades include manually adjustable coilover suspension, significantly beefed-up anti-roll bars, a more direct steering rack, and an enhanced, more vocal exhaust system. These are not mere cosmetic tweaks; they represent a fundamental recalibration of the RS5’s dynamic character, directly addressing the desire for a more connected driving experience.
The impact of these enhancements is profound. The Audi RS5 Competition feels more alive, more communicative, and ultimately, more rewarding. After six years on the market, this generation of the RS5 has finally reached its zenith, thanks to the focused engineering poured into this performance Audi RS5 variant. The best Audi RS5 yet isn’t just a tagline; it’s a testament to the iterative refinement that has culminated in this highly desirable package.
For the substantial investment of $16,100, the Audi RS5 Competition package delivers an impressive array of performance and aesthetic upgrades. The inclusion of carbon-ceramic brakes signifies a commitment to ultimate stopping power, essential for track days or spirited mountain driving. The coilover suspension and sport sway bars are the linchpins of the chassis’s transformation, while the RS sport exhaust promises aural delights. Visually, subtle yet impactful changes are evident, including a carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, distinctive 20-inch Y-spoke wheels, and within the cabin, Nappa leather seats with Dinamica inserts and an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel. While the price tag is significant, the sheer volume and quality of the included components justify the expenditure, offering exceptional value for dedicated enthusiasts.
It’s important to note that the heart of the RS5 remains the same: a potent 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. It continues to produce a formidable 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. While these figures may not match the outright power of direct rivals like the BMW M4 Competition or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition proves that in the real world, outright horsepower isn’t the sole determinant of speed. Its 0-60 mph time remains a brisk 3.8 seconds, but the true story lies in its elevated top speed of 180 mph, a significant increase over the standard RS5 and even some Dynamic Plus package-equipped models. This enhanced top-end capability, coupled with the chassis improvements, paints a picture of a car ready for serious performance driving.
The true magic of the Audi RS5 Competition unfolds when the asphalt begins to twist and turn. The moment you turn the steering wheel into a sweeping bend, the difference is palpable. The firmer, manually adjustable coilover suspension, a key element of Audi RS5 handling upgrades, masterfully controls the substantial weight of the nearly 4,000-pound coupe. Instead of body roll and hesitation, there’s an immediate, decisive response. The car changes direction with an agility previously unseen in the RS5 lineage. This newfound nimbleness is significantly aided by the quicker steering ratio, which, while not delivering mountains of tactile feedback, is remarkably precise, allowing for confident placement of the car through corners. This precise steering is a critical component of the Audi RS5 Competition’s driver engagement focus.
Complementing the chassis improvements is the sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa rubber, working in harmony with the finely tuned eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. This synergistic combination allows the Audi RS5 Competition to exploit its enhanced suspension capabilities to the fullest. The result is prodigious mid-corner grip and an effortless deployment of power as you accelerate out of apexes. While the standard RS5 is undeniably capable, the Audi RS5 Competition’s stiffer chassis acts as a much more effective conduit for information, enabling the driver to not only feel the immense G-forces but also to intimately understand the car’s behavior. This deep level of connection is precisely what many have craved from Audi’s flagship performance coupe.
One of the most surprising aspects of the Audi RS5 Competition is its ability to retain a commendable level of daily usability, despite the firmer suspension and 0.39-inch (10 mm) ride height reduction. This, in many ways, speaks more to the inherent refinement of the standard RS5, which, in previous iterations, sometimes felt almost too comfortable for a car marketed as Audi’s most engaging A5 variant. The Competition package, however, strikes an almost perfect equilibrium. It delivers a thoroughly capable sports car for weekend excursions while remaining a perfectly pleasant and comfortable commuter for the Monday-to-Friday grind. This balance is a testament to Audi’s engineering prowess in tuning performance car suspension systems.
The decision to reduce sound deadening in the Audi RS5 Competition is another masterstroke, perfectly complementing the enhanced RS sport exhaust. While this means a more pronounced intrusion of road and tire noise into the cabin, for a sports car enthusiast, this is a welcome trade-off. The days of Audi artificially piping engine sounds into the cabin are thankfully behind us. The Audi RS5 Competition now delivers a genuine, guttural V6 roar, punctuated by thrillingly explosive upshifts. The driver retains control over this sonic experience, with the ability to dial up the aggression or quiet things down through the selectable drive modes. This focus on authentic sound is a key element of the driving dynamics of the Audi RS5 Competition.
Stepping inside the Audi RS5 Competition reveals further subtle yet significant enhancements. The Nappa leather and Dinamica trimmed seats are visually striking, featuring a hexagonal stitching pattern reminiscent of high-end Italian sports cars. The bolsters are substantial, providing excellent lateral support during spirited driving, yet they remain comfortable enough for longer journeys. The Alcantara steering wheel, headliner, and carbon fiber trim lend an air of performance-oriented luxury. Unlike some competitors that opt for glossy, fingerprint-attracting finishes, Audi’s use of matte carbon fiber here feels more understated and elegant, seamlessly integrating with the otherwise dark and sophisticated cabin. This attention to interior detail is a hallmark of Audi RS5 interior features.
From a visual standpoint, the changes on the Audi RS5 Competition are not overtly dramatic, which can be both a positive and a negative. It essentially bundles desirable options like the carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser with gloss black badging and trim. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are tastefully designed and offer a clear view of the colossal carbon-ceramic brakes beneath. However, one could argue that Audi could have pushed the visual differentiation further, particularly given the model’s established presence in the market. Still, the second-generation RS5 has aged remarkably well. Launched in 2017, its timeless and elegant design still feels contemporary today. While it may not possess the aggressive visual flair of some of its rivals, it remains arguably the most sophisticated and aesthetically pleasing option among them, a testament to Audi’s design philosophy.
The age of the second-generation RS5 is perhaps the most conflicted aspect of this Audi RS5 Competition review. While the Competition package is a highly commendable upgrade that significantly enhances the driving experience, its arrival so late in the model’s lifecycle raises a pertinent question: will a dramatically improved driving dynamic be enough to capture the attention of buyers when the car’s overall design lineage stretches back to 2017?
The $16,100 price tag for the Audi RS5 Competition package is undoubtedly substantial, but the value it adds in terms of driving engagement and performance components is undeniable. A base 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe begins at $78,995, with destination fees. My specific test vehicle, equipped with the aforementioned Competition package, the optional $3,000 RS driver assistance package, and the $1,500 navigation package, tipped the scales at a considerable $100,565. While a six-figure price for an A5-derived vehicle might initially seem steep, it aligns perfectly with the pricing strategies of its primary competitors. A similarly equipped BMW M4 Competition commands a comparable sum, and while pricing for the forthcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 in the U.S. remains unannounced, it is widely expected to fall within this premium bracket. Thus, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition commands a premium price, but for the first time, its engaging driving experience truly justifies that cost, making it a strong contender for luxury performance coupes.
In conclusion, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition is the car I had long wished the RS5 had been from its inception. It is undeniably fast, remarkably agile, and, most importantly, deeply engaging. It masterfully blends the raw speed of the standard car with a level of driver immersion that was previously unattainable. Crucially, despite its firmer chassis and enhanced dynamic capabilities, it sacrifices very little in terms of daily comfort and practicality. The reduced sound deadening means you can finally enjoy the authentic, throaty symphony of its V6 without resorting to artificial sound enhancement.
In isolation, the Audi RS5 Competition stands as a formidable competitor to the already excellent BMW M4. However, the undeniable age of the platform cannot be overlooked. Despite the significant improvements that finally elevate the RS5 from merely a quick car to a genuinely exhilarating driver’s machine, the lingering question remains: will buyers respond to this late-cycle revitalization, or has the window of opportunity passed? For those who prioritize a dynamic driving experience above all else, and who appreciate Audi’s signature blend of sophisticated design and cutting-edge technology, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition presents a compelling, and perhaps final, opportunity to experience the pinnacle of this generation’s performance aspirations.
If you’re eager to experience this transformed driving dynamic firsthand, we encourage you to connect with your local Audi dealership today to schedule a test drive of the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition and discover how Audi’s pursuit of driver engagement has finally reached its ultimate expression.